Intelligence had reached the major of another party being out, by the
way of the Hudson, and his duty required that he should hold himself in
readiness to defeat the intentions of these also. Captain Lawton
received his orders with strong injunctions to make no assault on the
foe, unless a favorable chance should offer.
The injury received by this officer was in the head, being stunned by a
glancing bullet; and parting with a laughing declaration from the major,
that if he again forgot himself, they should all think him more
materially hurt, each took his own course.
The British were a light party without baggage, that had been sent out
to destroy certain stores, understood to be collecting for the use of
the American army. They now retired through the woods to the heights,
and, keeping the route along their summits, in places unassailable by
cavalry, commenced a retreat to their boats.
CHAPTER VIII
With fire and sword the country round
Was wasted far and wide;
And many a childing mother then,
And new-born infant, died;
But things like these, you know, must be
At every famous victory.
--SOUTHEY.
The last sounds of the combat died on the ears of the anxious listeners
in the cottage, and were succeeded by the stillness of suspense.
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